European Champions To Host Exhibition Games

The FIBA Europe Executive Committee together with the European members of the FIBA Central Board, the Presidents of various FIBA Europe Commissions and the UBE (European Players Association) have approved an exhibition game that will feature the 2005 EuroBasket champion Greek team taking on a European selection of players.

The game will be held in Greece on either 30 June or 1 July 2007 and will be organised by the Hellenic Basketball Federation.

Theo Papaloukas will be receiving the 2006 FIBA Europe Player of the Year custom-designed trophy during the game.

Clubs and coaches that have demonstrated an emphasis on developing youth talent will also be recognised with special prizes.

There is a strong possibility that the same type of game will be held on the women’s side.

The Czech Basketball Federation has expressed an interest in hosting a game that would feature the 2005 EuroBasket Women champion Czech Republic playing a European selection.

“I am pleased that all of the above parties have come to an agreement on hosting the exhibition game in Greece,” said FIBA Europe President George Vassilakopoulos.

“The game will serve as an ideal occasion to honour the top players and teams for their recent achievements.”

“The defending European champions for both men and women deserve the right to have this type of opportunity,” added FIBA Europe Secretary Nar Zanolin.

“We are fully confident that the Hellenic Basketball Federation, and potentially the Czech Basketball Federation, will organise superb events that will generate significant attention in the lead up to EuroBasket and EuroBasket Women later in the year.”